f(x)=x(1-i)

[Jeffrey Reid]

On Tue, 30 Apr 1996, tamerlane wrote:
> endless variety and detail brings to mind DNA.  Chaos(theory) and entropy
> are indeed different from fractal mapping.  While fractals are born out
> of the realm of pure mathematics and presumably have no connection to the
> physical universe, entropy is the primary inescapable fact of the
> physical universe.
>
I think you give entropy too little credit.  The most basic and general
formulation of entropy came from a Hungarian mathematician (Renyi).  His
formulation is totally general and encompasses the concepts of
thermodynamic entropy, the entropy of information theory, and topological
entropy.  Entropy may be "an inescapable fact of the physical universe"
but that is an application of a more general theory, much like fractal
mapping can be applied to a variety of physical problems to provide
insight and results.

> Eventually all the equations will make themselves known.
>
Except of course in the regime of quantum mechanics :).

Jeff

---------------------------------------------------------------
Jeffrey G Reid       			jgreid at u.washington.edu
---------------------------------------------------------------
"O holy mathematics, may I for the rest of my days be consoled
 by perpetual intercourse with you, consoled for the wickedness
 of man and the injustice of the Almighty!"  -- Isidore Ducasse